System and method for communicating with an unpowered device

Abstract

An apparatus for shipping a device containing a circuit, including a bag sized for holding the device; and an antenna connected to the bag, the antenna having a first end for coupling to the circuit of the device when the device is in the bag so as to allow for radio frequency (RF) communication with the device while the device is in the bag. Separation of the device from the bag causes the antenna to be disconnected from the circuit of the device.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A system, comprising:
 at least one of a protective bag and a box; 
 an electronics device disposed in the at least one protective bag and box; and 
 at least one antenna connected to the at least one protective bag and box, the at least one antenna having a first end portion coupled to the electronics device for communicating therewith, the at least one antenna configured to receive radio frequency (RF) signals from a source external to the at least one protective bag and box, and transmit RF signals from the electronics device to the source. 
 
     
     
       2. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first end portion of the at least one antenna is inserted within the electronics device. 
     
     
       3. The system of  claim 2 , wherein the first end portion of the at least one antenna is dimensioned for sliding removal from the electronics device. 
     
     
       4. The system of  claim 3 , wherein the first end portion of the at least one antenna is slidingly removed from the electronics device when the electronics device is separated from the at least one protective bag and box. 
     
     
       5. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first end portion of the at least one antenna is connected to circuitry of the electronics device when the electronics device is disposed within the at least one protective bag and box. 
     
     
       6. The system of  claim 5 , wherein the first end portion of the at least one antenna is sized for connection to the circuitry of the electronics device by a pressure fit connection therewith. 
     
     
       7. The system of  claim 5 , wherein the at least one antenna is removed from the electronics device and disconnected from the circuitry thereof upon the electronics device being removed from the at least one protective bag and box. 
     
     
       8. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one protective bag and box comprises a protective bag and a box within which the protective bag, at least a portion of the at least one antenna and the electronics device are disposed. 
     
     
       9. The system of  claim 1 , wherein when the at least one antenna comprises a plurality of antennae. 
     
     
       10. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one antenna is embedded in the at least one protective bag and box. 
     
     
       11. An apparatus for use in shipping a device, comprising:
 a bag or box sized for holding a device containing a circuit; and 
 at least one wire connected to the bag or box, the at least one wire having a first end for coupling to the circuit of the device when the device is in the bag or box and a second end disposed along or extending from the bag or box, the at least one wire facilitating communication with the device when the device is in the bag or box. 
 
     
     
       12. The apparatus of  claim 11 , further comprising an antenna assembly, wherein the at least one wire forms part of the antenna assembly. 
     
     
       13. The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the first end of the at least one wire is sized for slidable decoupling from the device. 
     
     
       14. The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the bag or box comprises a box, the at least one wire and the device are disposed therein such that when the device is disposed in the box, the at least one wire allows for communication between the circuit of the device and a source external to the box. 
     
     
       15. The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein separation of the device from the box causes the at least one wire to be decoupled from the circuit of the device. 
     
     
       16. The apparatus of  claim 14 , further comprising at least one packaging member, wherein when the device is disposed in the box, the at least one packaging member is arranged relative to the at least one wire in the box so that the at least one wire is disposed in a predetermined location in the box. 
     
     
       17. The apparatus of  claim 14 , further comprising a connector member disposed along an outer surface of the box and electrically connected to a second end of the at least one wire, the connector member being dimensioned for connecting with another connector external to the box. 
     
     
       18. The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein each wire includes an inductive member disposed at the first end thereof for inductively coupling with an inductive member in the circuit of the device.